Alex Bowman: The Next Generation of NASCAR

The Next Racing Star

There will be differences to be sure. In the same way Bowman hasn't gotten completely used to seeing Dale Earnhardt, Jr. pass him on the road on a weekly basis, he understands being surrounded by big-name drivers on the track will take some getting used to.

But he'll still take the same approach he always has, hoping to take his success to a new level.

"To me, it's just another race," Bowman says. "Racing with Kyle Busch is the same to me as racing with Chris Buescher — everybody's just another race car driver. I've got to learn what the guys on the Nationwide Series tendencies are and what they're going to do.”

"But other than that, it's just another car. Just another race track. Just another race."

Benton said RAB Racing allows Bowman to operate in a lower-pressure environment than perhaps he would find in higher profile garages like those of Joe Gibbs, Jack Roushe and Roger Penske.

While believing that it's only a matter of time before Bowman becomes a household name in the Nationwide Series, Benton will make sure early expectations remain realistic. But by building a team around equipment that Benton would pit against any other garage and John's branding and Bowman's flair for beating the competition to the finish line, Benton believes he's got a formula for future success.

Daytona, with all of its unpredictability, will be a big first step for the young driver who's probably better suited to win in venues like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Bristol and California.

But for a new-school driver who's never been afraid to be a little bit different, it also offers an instant proving ground. For Bowman, it represents the start of a journey he believes will lead to the dreams his high school friends back in Arizona always thought he was crazy for chasing.

Then again, Bowman’s never been the type to let what others think of him get in the way of what he feels like he is capable of achieving.

"I feel like I've kind of got to start over again a little bit," Bowman says. "Most of the guys out there probably have no clue of who I am and I think that's just part of it. I have to earn my respect from people just like I did in the ARCA series and in all the other race cars I've raced before.”

"But we've got all of the pieces in place to go win races. Now we've just got to go make it happen."